Dual Credit

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) defines dual credit as a system in which an eligible high school student enrolls in college course(s) and receives credit for the course(s) from both the college and high school. Dual credit courses may be taught on the high school campus by an approved instructor or on the college campus. Dual credit courses include both academic and technical courses.

Benefits of taking Dual Credit Courses

• Gain first-hand experience with college-level work while attending high school
• Transition more smoothly between high school and college
• Transfer credits earned in high school to Texas public colleges and universities
• Complete a postsecondary degree faster
• Save money on college tuition

Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program

The FAST program provides funding to participating public institutions of higher education so they can offer dual credit courses to educationally disadvantaged students at no cost to these students. 

• Financial Aid for Swift Transfer Webinar
• Financial Aid for Swift Transfer Website
• Financial Aid for Swift Transfer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• FAST - Financial Aid for Swift Transfer Program To the Administrator Addressed Correspondence

Texas Statewide Goals for Dual Credit

• House Bill 1638: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
• Statewide Dual Credit Goals and Measures of Implementation

Student Data

TEA produces PEIMS Standard Reports.  These reports provide information that is updated annually on a variety of topics.  The College Credit Report provides, by district, each course offered by the district if at least one student earned college credit hours for the course.  Access the College Credit Report or any of the additional PEIMS Standard Reports.

Research Study of Texas Dual Credit Programs and Courses

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) partnered with the RAND Corporation and American Institutes for Research (AIR) to conduct a two-phase study on dual credit education in Texas. RAND completed Phase 1 in May 2017 and AIR completed Phase II in December 2018.  The goal of this research was to establish baseline information on dual credit education in Texas and develop targeted guidance on how to reform dual credit policies and practices.

The University of Texas System conducted a Dual Credit study to delve into the impact of dual credit courses on student success in college.  The study looked at outcomes of approximately 135,000 students who entered a UT academic institution between 2010 and 2015 and tracked the students for six years. The study may be downloaded from the University of Texas System.

Additional Studies and Dual Credit Articles

• Want a Faster, Cheaper Way to Get a College Degree? Start in High School
• Report Confirms Early College High School Students Much More Likely to Earn a College Degree
• Research Study of Texas Dual Credit Programs and Courses, (full text)